IMG to launch licensing programme around B.B. King

The Riley B. King Trust, custodians of the estate of B.B. King, has signed with IMG for global licensing and marketing representation for the 'King of Blues'.

B.B. King is known for bringing the blues, jazz and swing sounds of the American south to mainstream audiences across the United States as well as Europe, and is in both the Blues Hall of Fame as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“We considered many agencies to assist us with celebrating and keeping alive B.B. King’s extraordinary legacy in unique and creative ways, and in the end it was obvious that only IMG had the resources, professionalism and track record we were looking for," said LaVerne Toney, King’s long time vice-president of his company and Trustee of his Estate.

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG, added: “We are incredibly proud to represent this towering icon of American music and the sounds and spirit of the Mississippi Delta.

"We hope to bring this inheritance to products and marketing collaborations that will celebrate his life as well as evoke his love of live music and the cultural heritage that inspired his sound.”